Allegations against Joe Biden come to light

In the past few days, former Nevada assemblywoman Lucy Flores published an essay alleging that former Vice President and potential 2020 Democratic candidate Joe Biden.

Flores noted: “He was there to promote me as the right person for the lieutenant governor job,” she wrote. “Instead, he made me feel uneasy, gross, and confused. The vice-president of the United States of America had just touched me in an intimate way reserved for close friends, family, or romantic partners — and I felt powerless to do anything about it.”

Biden has subsequently responded and denied the allegations: In his statement, he emphasized that “not once — never — did I believe I acted inappropriately,” but pledged to listen to any accuser. He did not describe in detail the “expressions of affection,” but said there were also “countless handshakes, hugs” and attempts to “support and comfort” people he met.

I'm interested to hear people's thoughts on the allegations overall. Do you think an allegation of sexual misconduct should be an automatic disqualifier for political office? What were your thoughts on Biden's response to the allegations?